As we continue to learn, listen, and journey toward greater diversity and inclusion, we're excited to support the Black Artists and Designers Guild (BADG) – an organization that combats the lack of representation of Black talent and culture in the design industry. The mission and spirit of BADG is so critical to advancing creativity right now, and to creating a more equitable playing field for Black artists and designers.
What this means for the future: We look forward to sharing work from BADG-member artists and designers on upcoming product collaborations, and providing ongoing reach and exposure that highlights their incredible talent.
We spoke with BADG founder Malene Barnett to learn more about the guild's important work.
A: For the longest time, our voices have been silenced at worst and overlooked at best. BADG is a platform to help open doors that will lead to equity within the industry and create spaces that matter to the Black community.
BADG is about including Black people who have traditionally been excluded from the field. We want to be part of the industry and the conversation, and to be recognized and respected for our contributions to art and design. It’s our safe space to be us.
BADG is about including Black people who have traditionally been excluded from the field. We want to be part of the industry and the conversation, and to be recognized and respected for our contributions to art and design. It’s our safe space to be us.
A: The design industry is a field that has not served Black people or our culture, and in turn validates whiteness; it's too focused on creating fashionable spaces for a select few. This is inherently problematic because not all people look or live the same, but the industry has historically showcased some while excluding others.
In response to this phenomena, I decided to create an organization to be part of the solution: In 2018, I founded BADG. I am proud of what BADG has accomplished in showcasing the talents of Black artists and designers with the intention to create a more inclusive design culture.
As a Black woman, advocate, and human being, this organization is extremely important to me in creating a more equitable future for Black creatives in the field."
In response to this phenomena, I decided to create an organization to be part of the solution: In 2018, I founded BADG. I am proud of what BADG has accomplished in showcasing the talents of Black artists and designers with the intention to create a more inclusive design culture.
As a Black woman, advocate, and human being, this organization is extremely important to me in creating a more equitable future for Black creatives in the field."
A: One of the central missions of BADG is to create visibility and opportunities for its members. We see our member directory as a conduit between the media, manufacturers, developers, and homeowners. This exposure leads to increased traffic on our members' own websites, as well as opportunities for custom projects, exhibitions, speaking engagements, and brand partnerships.
A: We want to be the resource for where to hire Black artists, makers, and designers in the interior and exterior trade. In addition, we want to provide historical and current archival research about Black culture in art and design.
A: If you are seeking ways to begin supporting our community or working with us, BADG provides direct access to our members: independent Black artists, makers, and designers.
In addition, we are a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Individuals and/or corporations can donate to our mission fund, creative incubator, and education funds on our website. We recently announced our inaugural project Obsidian: a virtual concept house where we aim to educate and build our stories as Black families.
learn more about BADG (or find an independent Black artist, maker, and designer for your next creative project!)
In addition, we are a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Individuals and/or corporations can donate to our mission fund, creative incubator, and education funds on our website. We recently announced our inaugural project Obsidian: a virtual concept house where we aim to educate and build our stories as Black families.
learn more about BADG (or find an independent Black artist, maker, and designer for your next creative project!)